Apparatus and method for providing point of purchase products

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides various apparatuses and methods that allow point of purchase products to be automatically dispensed. In an embodiment, the present invention operates with a self-scanning checkout and enables products to be dispensed with other retail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point of purchase. The product is immediately dispensed and provided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of the dispensed product is added to the cost of the collected and transported retail items. The consumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the collected and transported retail items. In another embodiment, the present invention is modular and operates in a quick service restaurant environment. The present invention requires little counter/floor space, adds little to the cost of labor, can be mounted in a variety of locations, dispenses in any direction and integrates with virtually any existing system.

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/261,512, filed Jan. 12, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Automated purchasing machines are becoming more and moreprolific. Consumers have come to rely on the convenience and speed ofautomated teller machines (“ATM's”) for banking. Equally important,consumers have come to trust the security of electronic funds transfers.This speed, convenience and goodwill are beginning to be implemented inautomated purchasing machines. Not surprisingly, gas stations, grocerystores, fast food restaurants, movie theaters, airports as well as otherretail outlets have added automated purchasing machines to theirstandard modes of conducting business. Given their advantages, and aspeople become more accustomed to them, automated purchasing machines arelikely to continue to proliferate.

[0003] There are a number of advantages inherent in automated purchasingmachines. First, automated machines are convenient and reduce waitingtime. For instance, the automated fuel pump enables the consumer to fillthe vehicle and complete the transaction without having to leave thearea around the vehicle. Second, automated machines offer additionalpayment options. For instance, many grocery store checkouts have cardreaders that enable the consumer to pay for groceries from a bankaccount or by credit. Third, the automated machines reduce labor. ATM's,for instance, allow banks to reduce the number of live tellers. Fourth,automated machines increase throughput. Automated fuel pumps, forexample, reduce the amount of idle time that cars spend next to thepump.

[0004] A new entry into the world of automated purchasing machines isthe self-scanning checkout, which has been implemented in variousgrocery stores and supermarkets. Self-scanning checkouts enable shoppersto scan, bag and pay for items with little or no assistance from storepersonnel. A consumer enters a grocery store and selects items forpurchase in the conventional manner. Instead of approaching a standardcheckout manned by a cashier, the consumer approaches a bank ofautomated self-scanning checkouts, wherein a single cashier oversees theoperation of the bank of machines. Consumers scan their own items andpay for the items by entering a check, credit card, debit card or cashinto the machine.

[0005] One problem associated with automated purchasing machines is thatthey can negatively impact point of sale purchases. For example, beforethe automated fuel pump, the consumer had to enter a convenience storeor a store associated with the gas station. Although an inconvenience tothe consumer, the mandatory visit to the store for payment (the oldpoint of purchase) encouraged the impulse purchase of confectioneryitems, such as gum, candy, soft drinks, etc., and non-consumable items,such as magazines and newspapers. The automated fuel pump has moved thepoint of purchase to the filling station, where point of purchaseproducts are not displayed or advertised.

[0006] In grocery stores and supermarkets, the self-scanning checkoutalso stands to reduce point of purchase sales for a couple of reasons.First, the consumer is preoccupied with scanning products and does nothave as much free time to peruse and select a point of purchase product.Second, one primary advantage that self-scanning checkouts provide tothe grocery store or supermarket is reduced floor space. For example,four self-scanning checkouts require approximately seventy-five percentof the space that four standard checkouts require. Rack space normallyassociated with standard checkouts, and which displays point of purchaseproducts, is likewise reduced. Self-scanning checkouts stand to reducethe height, width and number of racks at grocery and supermarketcheckout lines. Less rack space necessarily dictates less exposure forthe point of purchase products.

[0007] A need generally exists for sellers of point of purchase productsto capitalize on the growing proliferation of automated purchasingdevices. As the point of purchase in a variety of retail areasincreasingly moves away from a checkout counter to an automatedpurchasing machine, a need exists to provide an apparatus and method ofdisplaying and supplying point of purchase products at the new point ofpurchase.

[0008] In particular, a need exists to provide an apparatus and methodfor displaying and providing point of purchase products in combinationwith self-scanning checkouts at grocery stores and supermarkets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides apparatuses and methods thatimprove upon the sale of point of purchase products. For example,apparatus are provided wherein point of purchase product can beautomatically dispensed. Additionally, apparatus and materials areprovided that automate the purchase of point of purchase products.

[0010] To this end, in an embodiment the present invention enables pointof purchase products to be dispensed as the consumer purchases otherretail items that a consumer collects and brings to the point ofpurchase. The point of purchase product is immediately dispensed andprovided to the consumer at the point of purchase. The cost of thedispensed product is added to the cost of the other retail items. Theconsumer makes one payment for both the dispensed product and the otherretail items.

[0011] In an embodiment, a device is provided that allows a consumer topurchase products without the need for a cashier. The device includes abody that defines an interior. The device includes a controller. Thecontroller couples to and communicates with a scanning device. Thescanning device allows a consumer to scan purchasable items that theconsumer brings to the device and to accumulate a cost for the items.The body maintains a dispensable product and includes a dispenser thatdispenses the product from the body upon a request for the product bythe consumer. The controller adds a cost for the product to the cost forthe items.

[0012] In an embodiment, the body houses the controller.

[0013] In an embodiment, the controller is electrically coupled to thebody.

[0014] In an embodiment, the scanning device is electrically coupled tothe controller.

[0015] In an embodiment, the scanning device is optically coupled to thecontroller.

[0016] In an embodiment, the scanning device is integral with thecontroller.

[0017] In an embodiment, the purchasing device includes a display thatprompts the consumer to purchase the product.

[0018] In an embodiment, the purchasing device includes a plurality ofdifferent products and the controller communicates a selected product tothe dispenser. The different products may be for example: confectioneryproducts, periodicals, cigarette lighters, batteries, key chains,writing instruments, film; toiletries or toys.

[0019] In an embodiment, a stand-alone point of purchase device thatoperates with an automated purchasing device is provided. The automatedpurchasing device has a controller that allows a consumer to scanpurchasable items and accumulate a cost for the items. The point ofpurchase device includes a body housing a product. The point of purchasedevice includes a member for coupling to the automated purchasingdevice. The point of purchase device also includes a dispenser thatdispenses the product from the housing upon request by the consumer. Thecost for the product is added to the cost for the items.

[0020] In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates withan automated purchasing device is provided. The point of purchase deviceincludes a body that houses a product. The point of purchase includes acontroller coupled to the body. The point of purchase device alsoincludes a dispenser that dispenses the product from the body upon asignal from the controller. The consumer initiates the signal.Afterward, a cost for the product is added to the cost for the itemsthat the consumer purchases.

[0021] In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates withan automated purchasing device is provided. The automated purchasingdevice allows a retail operator to input purchasable items andaccumulate a cost for the purchasable items. The point of purchasedevice includes a dispenser that dispenses a product from a stock upon asignal from a controller. A retail operator initiates the signal. A costfor the product is automatically added to the cost of the purchasableitems.

[0022] In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is a scanner.

[0023] In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is a cashregister.

[0024] In an embodiment, a point of purchase device is coupled to adevice that allows a retail operator to input purchasable is provided.The point of purchase device includes a body housing a stock of product.A controller is maintained within the body. The body also includes adispenser that dispenses a product from the stock upon a signal from thecontroller. The retail operator initiates the signal. A cost for theproduct is added to the cost for the purchasable items.

[0025] In an embodiment, a point of purchase device that operates acredit/debit card verification device is provided. The credit/debit cardverification device authorizes a cost for items purchased by a consumer.The point of purchase device includes a controller that communicateswith the credit/debit card verification device. The controller couplesto a dispenser that dispenses a consumable product upon a signal to thecontroller. The consumer initiates the signal through the credit/debitcard verification device. A cost for the consumable product is added tothe cost for the items purchased by the consumer.

[0026] In an embodiment, the credit/debit card verification device islocated at a retail checkout line.

[0027] In an embodiment, a point of purchase device is provided. Thepoint of purchase device includes a body housing a stock of product. Thebody is physically coupled to a discrete automated purchasing device.The automated purchasing device allows consumers to automaticallypurchase items that the consumers physically bring to the automatedpurchasing device. The point of purchase device includes a moneyacceptor coupled to the body. The body houses a dispenser that dispensesa product from the stock upon a consumer's input of a predefined amountof money into the money acceptor.

[0028] In an embodiment, the automated purchasing device is located at aretail outlet, which may be: a retail checkout, a restaurant cashregister or an electronic ticketing station.

[0029] In an embodiment, the money acceptor is selected from: a cashacceptor, a coin acceptor or a credit/debit card acceptor.

[0030] In an embodiment, a device for dispensing consumable andnon-consumable products is provided. The device includes a body. Thebody houses a stock of a consumable product. The body also houses astock of a non-consumable product. The device includes a dispenser thatdispenses the consumable product. The device further includes anapparatus that totals purchase prices for consumable and non-consumableproducts. The device also includes a payment acceptor that allows theconsumer to make a single payment for the consumable and non-consumableproducts.

[0031] In an embodiment, the non-consumable product may be movietickets, air plane tickets, periodicals, video tapes, CD's, DVD's andnewspapers.

[0032] In an embodiment, a method of operating an automated checkout isprovided. In the method, a consumer is allowed to bring purchasableitems to an automated checkout device. The consumer is allowed to scanthe purchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items on adisplay. The consumer is allowed to purchase a product from a dispensingdevice located in juxtaposition to the automated checkout. The methodincludes dispensing the product from the dispensing device and adding acost of the product to the total cost for the scanned items on thedisplay.

[0033] In an embodiment, a method of operating a checkout station isprovided. In the method, a consumer is allowed to bring purchasableitems to a store operator. The operator is allowed to scan thepurchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items. Theconsumer is allowed to independently purchase a product from adispensing device. The method includes dispensing the product from thedispensing device and automatically adding a cost of the dispensedproduct to the cost for the scanned items.

[0034] In an embodiment, a method of operating a device for inputtingpurchases is provided. The method includes employing an operator toinput purchasable items into a cash register and accumulate a cost forthe inputted items. The consumer is allowed to purchase a product from adispensing device. The product is dispensed from the dispensing device.a cost of the product is to the cost for the inputted items.

[0035] In an embodiment, a method for providing a point of purchaseproduct without the need for a cashier is provided. In the method, aproduct is provided at the point of purchase. A cost associated withother items purchased by a consumer is accumulated. The consumer isinformed that the product is available at the point of purchase. Theproduct is dispensed to the consumer at the point of purchase upon anapproval by the consumer to purchase the product. Any additional costfor the product is added to the cost associated with other itemspurchased.

[0036] In an embodiment, the method includes accepting a single paymentin exchange for the product and other purchased items.

[0037] In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the product isavailable includes displaying an advertisement for the product.

[0038] In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the product isavailable includes prompting the consumer concurrently with the purchaseof the other items.

[0039] In an embodiment, the method includes allowing a retail operatorto enter the consumer's approval to purchase the product.

[0040] In an embodiment, the method includes allowing the consumer toenter the approval to purchase the product.

[0041] In an embodiment, a method for providing different products at apoint-of purchase is provided. In the method, a plurality of differentproducts are stocked at the point of purchase. Costs associated withother consumable items purchased by a consumer are accumulated. Theconsumer is automatically informed that the products are available atthe point of purchase. The method includes automatically accepting anapproval by the consumer to purchase at least one of the products. Themethod includes automatically dispensing the at least one the product tothe consumer at the point of purchase and automatically incrementing anyaccumulated cost by the cost of the at least one product.

[0042] In an embodiment, informing the consumer that the products areavailable includes displaying a dynamic display that changes to show thedifferent products.

[0043] In an embodiment, a method for providing consumable andnon-consumable products is provided. In the method, consumable andnon-consumable products are stocked in a single device. A consumer isallowed to purchase a consumable product from the single device withoutthe need for a cashier. The consumer is allowed to purchase anon-consumable product from the single device without the need for acashier. The consumer is allowed to pay for the consumable andnon-consumable products without the need for cash.

[0044] In an embodiment, the consumer is allowed to pay for theconsumable and non-consumable product at one time.

[0045] In an embodiment, a method of funding a retail purchasing deviceis provided. In the method a point of purchase device is provided thatoperates with the retail purchasing device. A fee is paid from aprovider of a product in exchange for allowing the product to bedispensed from the point of purchase device.

[0046] In an embodiment the retail purchasing device may be: aself-scanning purchasing device, a fuel dispensing gasoline pump, adebit/credit card reader or a cash register.

[0047] In an embodiment the provider may be a manufacturer of theproduct or a distributor of the product.

[0048] In an embodiment, a method for purchasing items is provided. Inthe method, a plurality of items are transported to a checkout station.A device that identifies costs for the items is used to create apurchase price for the plurality of items. A consumer is prompted topurchase a point of purchase product. A dispenser dispenses the point ofpurchase product. The cost of the point of purchase product isautomatically, without the need for a human operator, added to thepurchase price.

[0049] In an embodiment, the cost of the point of purchase product isadded to the purchase price before the cost of all of the plurality ofitems is totaled.

[0050] In an embodiment, the device that identifies costs is an opticalscanner.

[0051] In an embodiment, the point of purchase product is dispensed froma device that is integral with the device that identifies costs.

[0052] In an embodiment a system for providing point of purchaseproducts is provided. The system includes a device for identifying costsof items and creating a purchase price for the items. The system hasmeans for prompting a consumer to purchase a point of purchase product.The system also includes a device and dispenser for dispensing the pointof purchase product upon request from the consumer. The device also addsa cost of the point of purchase product to the purchase price.

[0053] In an embodiment, the means for prompting is an advertisement.

[0054] In an embodiment, the device for identifying is a scanner.

[0055] In an embodiment, the means for prompting is a credit/debit carddevice.

[0056] In an embodiment, the system includes a device for acceptingpayment for a total purchase price. The total purchase price includesthe cost of the point of purchase product and the purchase price for theitems.

[0057] In an embodiment, the means for prompting is part of the deviceand dispenser.

[0058] In an embodiment, the purchase price for the items is a totalpurchase price which occurs when the device for identifying hasidentified all of the items.

[0059] In an embodiment, a device for dispensing a retail item isprovided. The device includes a retail customer terminal locatedproximate a point of purchase location. The retail customer terminal hasan input device that permits selection of a purchasable item and a pointof purchase product. A retail item processor electrically communicateswith the retail customer terminal and processes consumer selections ofthe purchasable items and the point of purchase products. A dispensingterminal is located proximate the point of purchase location andelectrically communicates with the retail customer terminal and theretail item processor. The dispensing terminal handles and dispenses thepoint of purchase product from a storage location to a dispensinglocation when the consumer selects the point of purchase product.

[0060] In an embodiment, the dispensing terminal is further adapted tohandle and dispense at least one coin as change for the retail consumer.

[0061] In an embodiment, a retail item dispensing device is provided.The device includes a receptacle that houses and ejects a point ofpurchase product stored inside the device. A dispensing location islocated proximate a point of purchase location for a purchasable itemthat the consumer brings to the point of purchase. The dispensinglocation has a surface that carries the point of purchase product. Theretail item dispensing device includes a customer selection input devicethat inputs the customer's selection of a purchasable item and a pointof purchase product. The input device is located proximate the point ofpurchase location. The retail item dispensing device includes a retailitem processor that electrically communicates with the input device andthe receptacle. A dispensing device is also included and is configuredto deliver the point of purchase product ejected from the receptacle tothe dispensing location proximate the point of purchase location.

[0062] It is therefore an advantage of the present invention to providepoint of purchase products.

[0063] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide pointof purchase products in combination with retail items that the consumerretrieves and brings to the point of purchase.

[0064] It is a further advantage of the present invention to providepoint of purchase products in combination with retail items andaccumulate the cost for both.

[0065] Moreover, it is an advantage of the present invention to enablethe consumer to make one payment for point of purchase products andretail items retrieved by the consumer.

[0066] Further, it is an advantage of the present invention to provide apoint of purchase device that prompts the consumer to purchase point ofpurchase products.

[0067] Further still, it is an advantage of the present invention toprovide a point of purchase device having a smart prompt capability thatprompts the consumer to purchase and have dispensed certain productsbased on the items that the consumer has brought to the point ofpurchase.

[0068] Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention toprovide a point of purchase device having a smart prompt capability thatprompts the consumer to purchase and have dispensed certain productsbased on a profile for the consumer.

[0069] It is yet another advantage of the present invention to provide adevice that enables a point of purchase product supplier to advertisepoint of purchase products.

[0070] It is likewise an advantage of the present invention to provide adevice that enables different suppliers to purchase differentproportions of advertising space and/or time on the point of purchaseproduct.

[0071] It is again an advantage of the present invention to provide adevice that enables different suppliers to change an advertisement inreal time from a remote location.

[0072] It is yet another advantage to provide a point of purchasedevice, which requires little space and couples to a device forinputting costs of items that are brought to the point of purchase.

[0073] It is still a further advantage to provide a point of purchasedevice, which physically integrates into existing retail checkoutsettings and is readily implemented by retailers and used by consumers.

[0074] Further still, it is an advantage to provide a modular point ofpurchase device, which couples to but does not affect the integrity of adevice for inputting costs of items that are brought to the point ofpurchase.

[0075] Additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention toprovide a modular point of purchase device, which couples to but doesnot adversely affect the process flow of a retail checkout device.

[0076] Additionally, it is another advantage of the present invention toprovide a modular point of purchase device that dispenses a product intoa bag containing other items or into a convenient tray, whereby theretailer or consumer can readily obtain the product.

[0077] It is an advantage of the present invention to provide a point ofpurchase device that can be coupled to a self-scanning checkout station.

[0078] It is another advantage of the present invention to provide apoint of purchase device that can be operated in a retail setting.

[0079] It is a further advantage of the present invention to provide apoint of purchase device that can be coupled to a retail item cashregister.

[0080] It is still another advantage of the present to provide a pointof purchase device that can be coupled to a credit/debit card reader.

[0081] Moreover, a further advantage of the present invention to providea single device that dispenses consumable and non-consumable products.

[0082] Another advantage of the present invention to provide aself-scanning checkout having integrated point of purchase products anda dispenser therefore.

[0083] Still further, it is an advantage of the present invention toprovide a point of purchase device that performs inventory managementfor one or more products dispensed by the device.

[0084] Additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention toprovide a point of purchase device that transmits real time data to oneor more suppliers of products dispensed by the device.

[0085] Yet additionally, it is an advantage of the present invention tocombine a point of purchase device with a change-making dispensingdevice.

[0086] It is yet a further advantage of the present invention to providea method of funding automated purchasing devices.

[0087] Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription of the Invention and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0088]FIG. 1 illustrates a self-scanning purchasing device that isadapted to dispense a point of purchase product.

[0089]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a stand-alone point ofpurchase device of the present invention.

[0090]FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a stand-alone point ofpurchase device of the present invention.

[0091]FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of a stand-alone point ofpurchase device of the present invention.

[0092]FIG. 5 illustrates a stand-alone point of purchase device inoperation with a cash register, a scanner and a non-consumable itemdispensing machine.

[0093]FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate stand-alone point of purchase devices ina quick service restaurant environment.

[0094]FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a stand-alone pointof purchase device having an integrated method of payment.

[0095]FIG. 9 illustrates still another embodiment of a stand-alone pointof purchase device integrated with a coin change maker.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0096] Self-scanning checkouts are beginning to proliferate insupermarkets and grocery stores. Current self-scanning checkouts standto reduce point of purchase sales because: (i) the consumer ispreoccupied with scanning products and does not have as much free timeto peruse and select a point of purchase product; (ii) the amount offloor space available for standard point of purchase racks is reduced;and (iii) the architecture of current popular self-scanning checkoutsrequires that the height of the standard racks be reduced.

[0097] With current self-scanning checkouts, the consumer activelyaccumulates a cost for items brought to the point of purchase. That is,instead of standing in line and looking at a rack full of point ofpurchase products while a cashier enters the cost of the consumer'sitems, the consumer at the self-scanning checkout pulls items out of ashopping cart or other storage area, individually scans each item,checks a video monitor to ensure that the right items and the rightprices are being accumulated, bags the scanned items and pays for theitems. In short, the consumer has a lot less time to look at currentlydisplayed point of purchase products and, equally importantly, may notremember to do so.

[0098] The available space problem for point of purchase products atcurrent self-scanning checkouts is twofold. First, there is lessavailable space. Second, the space that is available is not locatedspecifically at the point of the customer's focus. That is, the racksmust be placed on either side of, or otherwise separately from, thecurrent scanner, the current monitor, the current payment acceptor andthe current bagging area, i.e., away from the consumer's focus.

[0099] The reduced rack space means that there will be a higher level ofcompetition between suppliers of point of purchase products. Retailersthat use self-scanning checkouts are carefully selecting products forthe available rack space, which is now at an even higher premium. It islikely that high-velocity, high-margin products will take the lion'sshare of available space because retailers cannot afford to riskstocking a loser or even a mid-level performer. The result has been andwill continue to be a decline in new product offerings.

[0100] Both the product supplier and the retailer will suffer fromreduced sales of point of purchase products. Brand recognition willbegin to erode and the retailer will lose the additional sale. Retailersare thus currently forced to decide between providing the efficiencyassociated with self-scanning checkouts or holding on to the point ofpurchase sale.

[0101] Quick service restaurants (“QSR's”) provide a similar butslightly different challenge. QSR's also have limited floor space forpoint of purchase products. Counter space at the QSR is limited andrequires free access to process a fast food transaction. The floor spacein front of the counter needs to be open for lines to form and for theconsumer to choose food items. Placing a standard point of purchaseproduct rack in the middle of a fast food floor and requiring theconsumer to bring a point of purchase product to the counter simply doesnot integrate well with an over the counter fast food transaction.

[0102] Many QSR's are also experiencing quality labor shortages. QSR'stend to have high employee turnover and training costs. Productshrinkage is also an issue with QSR's. QSR's are therefore looking at anumber of technologies to alleviate their limited space and laborissues, increase operational efficiencies and mitigate productshrinkage. One known solution is a point of sale kiosk that eliminatesthe conventional cash register. Another solution is a “speedpass”payment system in which a “wand” is provided to the consumer. The wandoperates on a radio frequency (“RF”) to send fast food transactioninformation to a credit/debit card account. The speedpass system iscompact, requires little counter space and no floor space and isoperationally faster and transactionally more efficient than theconventional “QSR” transaction.

[0103] The challenge that QSR's present to point of purchase productsuppliers is to provide a solution that works with the conventional,e.g., cash register, system and any alternative primary fast food itempurchasing system. The point of purchase system, in any event,preferably: (i) is convenient for the consumer and the fast foodemployee to use; (ii) does not increase or significantly increase laborcosts; (iii) requires little counter space and little or no floor space;(iv) reduces product shrinkage; (v) integrates with any primary fastfood item purchasing system; and (vi) assists in inventory management byproviding point of purchase inventory data to the system.

[0104] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIG. 1, anembodiment of the present invention is illustrated. As illustrated, aself-scanning purchasing device is provided. Typical self-scanningcheckouts are known and are available, for example, from NCR Corp. andOptimal Robotics Corp. The self-scanning checkout 10 includes acontroller 12. The controller 12 includes a processor 14, a memorydevice 16 and a power supply 18. The processor 14 in one embodiment is aPentium™ processor, which runs Windows NT™ software. The memory device16 runs a program that interfaces peripheral devices connected to thecontroller 12 with human operation.

[0105] The controller 12 includes an input/output (“I/O”) card or module20 to which a plurality of wires 22 (e.g., in the form of a ribbon cableor other wire bunching technique) connect. The wires 22 run to variousperipheral devices. The peripheral devices typically include acredit/debit card reader 24, a cash dispenser 26, a scanning device 28,and a display device having an associated touch screen interface (“touchscreen display 30”). In addition, RS-232 or RS-485 cables may run fromthe controller 12 to these devices, in the event that they have theirown processing capability. The scanning device 28 in an embodiment mayalso be adapted to optically couple to the controller 12. The controller12 also includes a video graphics card or module (not illustrated) andmay also include a sound card.

[0106] The credit/debit card reader 24 enables a consumer to select topay by credit card or debit card. The card reader 24 includes an insertslot 32 a card reader display 34 and a plurality of numerical inputbuttons 36. If, after inserting a card into the slot 32, the reader 24cannot read the card number, the consumer can key in the card numberusing the numerical input buttons 36.

[0107] Either the touch screen display 30 or the numerical input buttons36 may be adapted to allow the consumer to enter an amount of money. Theself-scanning checkout 10 will in turn dispense the amount of money fromthe cash dispenser 26. The cash dispenser 26 includes one or moredispensing slots 38 that dispense the cash and a receipt for thetransaction.

[0108] The scanning device or scanner 28 has a transparent cover 40 andelectronics behind the cover 40 that reads a barcode placed on themajority of purchasable items 42 found in a supermarket, conveniencestore or other retail outlet. As the consumer scans an item past thecover 40, the touch screen display 30 displays or acknowledges the itemand displays its price. In an embodiment, an automated voice instructsthe consumer to place the item 42 into a bag 44. After the consumerscans multiple items, the touch screen display 30 shows a scrolling listof items, their prices, and a total price, i.e., a virtual receipt.

[0109] The self-scanning checkout 10 in an embodiment employs a videocamera (not illustrated) to identify produce and other non-bar codeditems 42. Once the consumer scans and bags all the purchasable items 42,the consumer selects a card payment method using the credit/debit cardreader 24. The purchasing device 10 also allows the consumer to pay bycash, check and/or food stamps via a bill acceptor (not illustrated).The self-scanning checkout 10 dispenses change in the form of cash fromthe cash dispenser 26 and coin change from a coin dispenser (notillustrated). The self-scanning checkout 10 prints a receipt that showsthe list of items 42 appearing on the touch screen display 30. The cashdispenser 26 may be adapted to issue the receipt, or alternatively, aseparate outlet (not illustrated) that issues the receipt from a receiptprinter (not illustrated) may be provided.

[0110] The illustrated self-scanning checkout 10 of the presentinvention includes a point of purchase device 50, preferably having astock of product 52 and a dispenser 54. As used herein the term “pointof purchase” refers to a location where a consumer pays for product orotherwise checks out of a store or other retail environment. A section55 of the front panel of the self-scanning checkout 10 has been cutawayto illustrate that in an embodiment, the automated checkout 10 housesthe point of purchase device 50. In other embodiments, discussed below,a stand-alone point of purchase device mounts outside of theself-scanning checkout 10.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the stock of product 52 provides achoice of four products A to D. The stock may obviously include anynumber of different point of purchase products 52 including a singleproduct 52. The point of purchase products 52 can be any uniformdistribution or mix of front-end products distributed at or near acheckout line, cash register, point of purchase kiosk, speedpassstation, touch screen input device or other type of vending device, suchas an automated movie or airline ticket vending machine. Examples ofpoint of purchase products include confectionery products, such aschewing gum or candy, magazines, toiletries, such as razors or smalltissue packets, batteries, cigarette lighters, key chains, writinginstruments, film, disposable cameras, video tapes, digital video disks(DVD's), small toys, etc.

[0112] The present invention solves a number of problems facingsuppliers of these types of products. First, in retail outlets, productsare typically displayed according to a set planagram. The planagrams arecarefully constructed to attempt to display the products in anaesthetically pleasing and organized manner. Where point of purchaseproducts are concerned, planagrams take on an even more important rolebecause the consumer is distracted by the purchase of other items.Accordingly, certain product suppliers may be temporarily or permanentlylocked out of the front-end market because there is currently no placeor there never will be a place in the planagram for the supplier'sproducts. Since the point of purchase products 52 of the presentinvention are dispensed from a device and are advertised, in onepreferred embodiment, on a dynamic display, there is no need for aplanagram. Consequently, the present invention provides a more flexiblefront-end market.

[0113] Second, smaller suppliers may fall victim to “slotting,” whicheffectively allows the larger suppliers to consume the limited point ofpurchase space. Without the need to satisfy a planagram, smallersuppliers can purchase available space or slots intermittently. Asdescribed in more detail below, the suppliers may also purchaseintermediate advertising slots. The retail outlet can establish a systemwhereby suppliers of faster selling products pay less for one or more ofthe available slots. A small supplier with a fast moving producttherefore has an inroad into the competitive front-end market.

[0114] The retail outlet, e.g., grocery store or supermarket can alsowork with the larger suppliers to optimize the throughput of the presentinvention. For instance, a particular large supplier may pay a premiumto own or maintain a long-term lease on, e.g., thirty percent of theavailable front-end slots or space. The supplier is obligated and alsodesires to maximize the profitability and throughput of this thirtypercent. Accordingly, the retail outlet lets the supplier manage itsthirty percent and concentrates on optimizing the profitability andthroughput of the remaining seventy percent by slotting quick sellingand profitable point of purchase products 52. Obviously, the percentagesmay vary from this example and the retail outlet may obtain more thanone owner or major leaseholder.

[0115] When the consumer desires to purchase one or more of the point ofpurchase products 52, the self-scanning checkout 10 dispenses the one ormore products 52 through an opening 56 defined by a panel of theautomated checkout 10. The opening 56 may in turn be juxtaposed above ornear a product dispensing tray (FIG. 9). The opening 56 and tray in anembodiment also serve as the opening and tray of the coin changedispenser (FIG. 9). To direct the product 52 from the stocking point tothe opening 56 or tray, the self-scanning checkout 10 provides one ormore ramps or slides 58. Although the ramp or slide 58 is illustratedhere as being completely housed within the device 10, a portion of orall of the ramp or slide 58 may be disposed on the exterior of theself-scanning checkout 10. The ramp or slide 58 may also include one ormore conveying sections, such as a belt tensioned between rollers (FIG.9).

[0116] In FIG. 1, the opening 56 dispenses one or more products 52directly into one of the bags 44 of items 42 brought to the point ofpurchase. In another embodiment, the product 52 may be dispensed fromany point on any exposed surface of the self-scanning checkout 10. Forinstance, a grocery store or supermarket may place the opening 56 (andpossibly a tray) near the bill acceptor or cash out dispenser 26, nearthe credit/debit card reader 24, near the touch screen display 30 ornear the scanner 28. Placing the dispenser near the payment devices,i.e., the bill acceptor or the credit/debit card reader 24 enables theconsumer to retrieve a dispensed product 52 when paying for the items 42and the product 52. Placing the dispenser near the touch screen display30 enables the consumer to retrieve a dispensed product 52 directlyafter choosing to purchase the dispensed product 52. Placing thedispenser near the scanner 28 enables the consumer to retrieve adispensed product 52 while handling the other items 42 brought to thepoint of purchase.

[0117] As illustrated, above or near the opening 56, the self-scanningcheckout 10 provides advertising or information about the differentproducts 52, illustrated here on the cutaway section 55. Theadvertisement informs the consumer to use the touch screen display 30 toautomatically purchase one or more of the products A through D. Theadvertisement also points the consumer to where the automated checkout10 will dispense the product, i.e., from the opening 56.

[0118] The dedicated advertising on the section 55 illustrates oneembodiment for advertising different point of purchase products 52. Inanother embodiment, the advertising on the section 55 may be erasable orotherwise changeable to allow store operators or product distributors toload different products into the point of purchase device 50 andadvertise such different products. In another embodiment, the touchscreen display 30, or a different dynamic video display in communicationwith the controller 12, advertises the products A to D and may beadapted to delete or add one or more point of purchase products 52. In afurther embodiment, and in particular where the stock includes manydifferent products 52, the dynamic display may be adapted to scrollthrough the different products and display one or more but not all atonce. A static or dynamic advertisement display may be mounted invarious places on or near the point of purchase, such as on top of theself-scanning checkout 10 or in front of the automated checkout 10(i.e., facing the consumer as the consumer approaches the checkout 10from the grocery isles).

[0119] The touch screen display 30, as illustrated, currently provides amessage 60, a plurality of simulated buttons 62 (one for each product Athrough D) and the running list 64 of purchased items 42 and dispensedproducts 52. The message 60 informs the consumer of the current total,and that the consumer may at any time during the transaction purchaseone of the products A to D by selecting one of the buttons 62. In theillustrated embodiment, the touch screen display 30 provides a uniquebutton 62 for each point of purchase product A to D. In anotherembodiment, the touch screen may be adapted to provide a toggle or“next” button (not illustrated), wherein the display 30 recalls anddisplays a new point of purchase product 52 each time the consumerpresses the next button. In this embodiment, the touch screen displaywould also provide a select or “purchase” button, which would allow theconsumer to sequentially purchase one or more displayed point ofpurchase products 52.

[0120] The running list 64 of the display 30 illustrates that theconsumer has purchased a number of items 42, which the consumer hasselected elsewhere within the supermarket or convenience store and hastransported to the self-scanning checkout 10. The list 64 illustratesthat the consumer has selected, transported and self-scanned cereal,soup, celery, cake mix and flour. The running list 64 also illustratesthat the consumer has made a point of sale purchase, namely, theconsumer has purchased gum, which is one of the products A through D.The consumer's current total of $12.00 illustrated by the message 60includes the price of the point of purchase product 52, i.e., fiftycents. In one preferred embodiment, the present invention combines thecost of items 42 brought to the point of purchase and the products 52purchased thereafter. In this way, the consumer pays cash and receiveschange once, writes one check or swipes a credit or debit card one time.The self-scanning checkout 10 therefore supplies and the consumerreceives only one receipt.

[0121] In this illustrated embodiment, the consumer can select the samebutton 62 and purchase the same product 52 as many times as the consumerdesires. The consumer can select as many different buttons 62 andpurchase as many different products 52 (and as many different types ofproducts 52) as the consumer desires. Each time the consumer presses abutton 62, the dispenser 54 dispenses a single product 52. In analternative embodiment, the touch screen display 30 provides a simulatednumerical keypad and prompts the consumer to enter a quantity. If theconsumer enters a quantity greater than one, the dispenser 54 dispensesthe multitude of products 52 at once. It should be appreciated that anyof the simulated input devices described herein, such as the buttons 62,the next and purchase buttons described above and the simulated keypad,may alternatively be provided as electromechanical input devices mountedto the panel of the automated checkout 10 and hard wired as discreteinputs into the I/O card or module 20, as is well known by those ofskill in the art.

[0122] Referring now to FIG. 2, a second embodiment of the presentinvention provides a stand-alone point of purchase device 50, which ishoused within a body 66 that is separate from an automated purchasingdevice 70. For purposes of the present invention, the automatedpurchasing device 70 is any device that accumulates a cost of items oraccepts payment for items. In an embodiment, the automated purchasingdevice 70 is the self-scanning checkout 10 described in FIG. 1. Theautomated purchasing device 70 in another embodiment is any standardcheckout device manned by a store operator. That is, the automatedpurchasing device 70 may be used in an employee operated purchasing linefor any type of retail store, e.g., grocery store, fast food store,convenience store, drug store, hardware store, clothing store,superstore, etc., where the employee scans items or where the operatorscans items using a scanner 40 or inputs selections into a cash register72, point of purchase kiosk or touch screen input device. The automatedpurchasing device 70 also includes credit/debit card readers and billacceptors. The automated purchasing device 70 further includes any typeof device, such as the speed-pass, that bypasses the store operator andautomatically sends a cost for one or items to a credit or debitaccount.

[0123] The stand-alone point of sale device 50 preferably mounts to ornear the automated purchasing device 70 so that the device 50 is at thepoint of purchase. The automated purchasing device 70 includes thecontroller 12 having a processor 14, memory device 16, power supply 18and I/O card or module 20. The automated purchasing device 70 may alsoinclude any other feature and apparatus described above in connectionwith FIG. 1, except that the point of sale device 50 is discrete.

[0124] The controller 12 electrically communicates with the scanner 28via wires 22 and/or alternatively optically connects or connects by anRS-232 or RS-485 cable to the scanner 28. The controller 12alternatively communicates with the scanner 28 via a radio frequency(“RF”) signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitablecommunication link. When the automated purchasing device 70 is aself-scanning checkout 10 (FIG. 1), the consumer retrieves an item 42from one of the store isles, brings the item to the scanner 28 and scansthe item by passing it across the transparent cover 40. When theautomated purchasing device 70 is an operator controlled checkout, theconsumer retrieves an item 42 from one of the store isles, brings theitem to the scanner 28, wherein the store operator scans the item bypassing it across the transparent cover 40. In either case, the scanner28 in one embodiment is a stand-alone scanner 28, as illustrated, and inanother embodiment, the scanner 40 is a hand-held scanner that eitherthe consumer or the operator holds so that a smaller transparent cover40 of the hand-held scanner passes across the barcode of the purchasableitem 42.

[0125] The controller 12 electrically communicates with the cashregister 72 via wires 22 and/or via an RS-232 or RS-485 connection. Thecontroller 12 alternatively communicates with the cash register 72 viaan RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitablecommunication link. The controller 12 in an embodiment only couples tothe scanner 28, in another embodiment only connects to the cash register72 and in a further embodiment couples to both the scanner 28 and thecash register 72.

[0126] When the controller 12 couples to the cash register 72, a storeoperator mans the cash register 72. In certain retail operations, suchas grocery stores, convenience stores, drug stores, hardware stores,clothing stores, superstores, the consumer retrieves an item 42, such asa box of food, from one of the store isles, and brings the item to theoperator, who enters the item or price of the item into the cashregister 72. In other retail operations, such as fast food restaurantsor at will-call windows, the consumer approaches the operator and orderspurchasable items 42, such as hamburger and fries, wherein the operatorenters the item or price of the item into the cash register 72.

[0127] The controller 12 also communicates with one of the touch screendisplays 30 a or 30 b. Here, the displays 30 a and 30 b are shown asbeing mounted on the exterior of the automated purchasing device 70.Although two touch screen displays are illustrated, only one isnecessary as described above. The display 30 a is adapted for when theconsumer scans the items 42, i.e., at a self-scanning checkout (FIG. 1).Here, the display 30 a provides a suitable message 74 a that prompts theconsumer, after the consumer has scanned all the purchasable items 42,whether the consumer wishes to purchase one of the point of purchaseproducts 52, namely, products A to D. The display 30 a also providessimulated buttons 62. In FIG. 1, the touch screen display 30 enabled theconsumer at any point during the self-scanning process to select one ormore of the buttons 62. The touch screen displays may be adapted toprompt the consumer to select a product 52 to immediately dispensebefore during or, as here, after the scanning sequence.

[0128] The display 30 a may have any suitable message that prompts theconsumer to purchase a dispensable product 52. For instance, the display30 a may be adapted to show the consumer the current total plus the costfor a dispensed product 52. For example, the display 30 a might read,“Your total comes to $12.00. A pack of gum would add forty centsincluding tax. Press one below to dispense.” The display 30 a could alsodisclose a new total, e.g., “Your total comes to $12.00. A pack of gumwould bring the total to $12.40 including tax. Press one below todispense.” Any of the messages or prompts disclosed herein may bevisual, audio or audiovisual.

[0129] In any of the embodiments described herein, the memory 16 of thecontroller 12 may be adapted to store a computer program that enablesthe prompt to be a “smart prompt.” That is, the software is configuredto: (i) select a prompt based on one or more items 42 that the consumerhas selected and transported to the point of purchase; (ii) select aprompt based on a customer profile obtained from the customer's grocerystore card or from data collected by the controller; or (iii) select aprompt based on an algorithm that combines (i) and (ii). The processor14 of the controller 12 operates with the computer program stored in thememory 16 to display a smart prompt on the display 30 a or 30 b.

[0130] When the smart prompt is based on the items 42 that the consumerhas selected and transported to the point of purchase, the program in anembodiment looks for patterns or signals provided by the items 42. Forinstance, if the consumer collects and brings one or more items 42 tothe point of purchase that are sugar free, fat free, low fat, have sugarsubstitutes, etc., the smart prompt may include a sugar free item, suchas sugar free gum. In another example, if a number of desert-type itemsare brought to the point of purchase, the smart prompt may includecandy, such as a candy bar. If the consumer has pulled a magazine fromthe store rack, the smart prompt may include another periodical.Obviously, those of skill in the art may adapt the software to performmany different types of analysis.

[0131] Grocery store or supermarket customer cards enable the store tocompile data including the buying habits of the particular customer. Thesoftware may be adapted to use this information to display a smartprompt. For instance, if the customer card indicates that the consumerhas purchased a number of sugar free or fat free items in the past, thesmart prompt may include a sugar free item even if the consumer has notcurrently brought such an item to the point of purchase.

[0132] In another embodiment, a plurality of controllers 12 fromdifferent devices can link over a local area network (“LAN”) to a servercomputer maintained within the grocery store or supermarket. The servercomputer stores buying habit information, which is compiled whenever theconsumer pays by credit or debit card. A customer number may beinternally assigned to the credit or debit card number, whereininformation is stored under the customer number. Regardless of whichstandard checkout or self-scanning checkout the customer uses within thestore, the server computer recognizes the credit/debit number, calls upthe customer number and updates the buying habit information under thecustomer number. Further, regardless of which standard checkout orself-scanning checkout the customer uses, the software is able to accessinformation stored by the server computer under the customer number toprovide a-smart prompt. If the user has purchased a particular product52 at the point of sale in the past, for example, the smart message mayinclude the previously purchased product 52.

[0133] In another embodiment, the customer card or server computer maybe adapted to accumulate “customer points” and automatically dispenseone or more point of purchase product 52 when the consumer's pointsreach a predefined threshold. Points may be issued for items 42 that theconsumer brings to the point of purchase, for purchasing point of saleproducts 52, or both. In a quick service restaurant (“QSR”), points maybe accumulated for fast food items purchased. The points can: (i) yieldone or more free products; (ii) lead to an entry into a contest; and(iii) yield coupons for store items, point of purchase products or acontest entry, etc. The display 30 may be adapted to visually and/oraudibly inform the consumer, e.g., “Congratulations, you've earned afree pack of gum.”

[0134] The display 30 b is adapted for when the store operator scans theitems 42 using scanner 28 or inputs the items using the cash register72. Here, the display 30 b provides a suitable message 74 b that promptsthe store operator, after the operator has scanned or inputted all thepurchasable items 42, to request whether the consumer wishes to purchaseone of the point of purchase products 52, namely, products A to D.Alternatively, the operator may prompt the consumer before or while theoperator scans or enters the consumer's selected items. The display 30 bmay also be adapted to prompt the store operator to quote the price of adispensable product 52 or a new total that includes the price of thedispensable product 52. Further, the display 30 b that prompts the storeoperator may contain a smart prompt configured based on the productspurchased or a user profile.

[0135] The display 30 b also provides the buttons 62, which the operatorpresses when the consumer wishes to have a point of purchase product 52immediately dispensed. In either the consumer controlled or operatorcontrolled embodiments, suitable advertisements in the form of a staticor dynamic displays also inform the consumer of the availability of thepoint of purchase products.

[0136] In FIG. 2, the point of purchase device 50 has no controlcapability, i.e., is a dumb device, and completely relies on thecontroller 12 to command the dispenser 54 to dispense the products 52.The dispenser 54 may be any suitable type of dispenser for dispensingconfectionery products such as chewing gum or candy, periodicals such asmagazines, books or newspapers, toiletries such as razors or smalltissue packets, batteries, cigarette lighters, key chains, writinginstruments or small toys.

[0137] In the illustrated embodiment, the dispenser 54 includes aseparate solenoid 72 for each product A to D. The solenoids 72 in anembodiment are push-type solenoids, each having a hot wire 76 and aneutral wire 78. Similarly, the wires 22 coming from the I/O card ormodule 20 of the controller include hot wires 22 a and a neutral wire 22b. The hot wires 76 and neutral wires 78 of the solenoids 72 connect toa terminal strip 80, wherein the neutral wires are “jumpered” together.The neutral wire 22 b from the I/O card or module 20 connects to one ofthe jumpered neutral terminals on the strip 80. The hot wires 22 a fromthe I/O card or module 20 each individually connect to one of the hotwire terminals on the strip 80.

[0138] In this arrangement, when the consumer presses a button 62 on thescreen 30 a or the operator presses a button 62 on the screen 30 b, aninput signal is sent to the I/O card or module 20. Device softwarestored in the memory device 16 acknowledges the input and closes adesignated output switch, which allows the power supply 18, rated forthe solenoid voltage (e.g., 120 VAC or 24 VDC) to apply power across thecorresponding hot wire 22 a and neutral wire 22 b. The powered up hotwire 22 a and neutral wire 22 b in turn apply power across the hot wire76 and neutral wire 78 of the corresponding solenoid 72.

[0139] Applying power to one of the solenoids 72 causes an electrical tomechanical conversion to take place and a mechanical motion to occur,e.g., a lever to move from a first position to a second position. Atthis point any suitable mechanical linkage may be employed to dispenseone or more of the point of purchase products 52. For ease ofillustration, the dispenser is illustrated as having hinged or slideabledoors 82 that open enough to allow one or more of the products A to Dfall, due to gravity, onto the ramp or slide 58, wherein the product 52dispenses through the opening 56. Obviously, those of skill in the artcan and have devised other mechanical linkages, which may make moreefficient use of the solenoids 72 or avoid them altogether. Importantly,however, in each implementation the initiation of a particular button 62has a unique consequence in that it dispenses a specified amount of oneof the products A, B, C or D.

[0140] It should be appreciated that since the stand-alone point ofpurchase device 50 of FIG. 2 has no control capability, the controller12 accomplishes all the cost accounting. That is, the controller 12maintains and recalls prices for the purchasable items 42, such as thefood box or the fast food items, and the point of purchase products 52,such as chewing gum. The consumer controlled touch screen display 30 aor the store operator controlled touch screen display 30 b shows arunning list of scanned or inputted items 42 and dispensed products 52.

[0141] Referring now to FIG. 3, another embodiment for a stand-alonepoint of purchase device 90 is illustrated. The point of purchase device90 has a rudimentary level of control capability. That is, the device 90does not have processing capability or the ability to store a computerprogram, however, the device 90 does have electrical switchingcapability. The device 90 includes a power supply 18 and a plurality ofrelays 92. Relays are well known electrical switching devices thatcontain a coil on an inlet side and one or more normally open ornormally closed contacts on an outlet side. The output side of eachrelay 92 electrically connects to the solenoids 72, and the input sideof each relay electrically connects to an electromechanical pushbutton94 according to an electrical flowchart commonly referred to as a“ladder logic diagram.”

[0142] The point of purchase device 90 including the relays 92 has thecapability to enable a consumer or a store operator to input a decision,at the device 90, to dispense a point of purchase product 52. The powersupply 18 supplies power to the solenoids 72, through the relays 94, andpossibly to the pushbuttons 94, for example, if the pushbuttons 94 arelighted. The terminal strip 80 facilitates the wiring. When a consumeror store operator presses one of the pushbuttons 94, a coil on acorresponding relay 92 energizes, a contact within the relay 92 closesand a corresponding solenoid 72 energizes. A lever of the solenoid movesand causes one of the hinged or slideable doors 82, through a suitablemechanical linkage, to open, so that a specified quantity of one of thepoint of purchase products A to D falls onto the ramp or slide 58 anddispenses through the opening 56. It should be appreciated that those ofskill in the art can optimize the number of solenoids 72 and the numberof relays 92 necessary to enable the consumer or operator to dispenseeach of the products 52 from the point of purchase device 90.

[0143] It should be appreciated that since the stand-alone point ofpurchase device 90 has electrical switching capability, but noprocessing capability, a separate external controller 12 must accomplishall the cost accounting. In an embodiment, a controller 12 maintainedwithin a separate automated purchasing device 70 maintains and recallsprices for the purchasable items 42, such as the food box or the fastfood items, and the point of purchase products 52, namely, products A toD. The point of purchase device 90 sends a signal through the wires 22to the I/O card or module 20 whenever the consumer or store operatordispenses a product. If the products A to D have different associatedcosts, then the device 90 has the capability to send one of a number ofsignals to the I/O card or module 20, which corresponds to theparticular associated cost.

[0144] The stand-alone point of sale device 90 preferably mounts to ornear the automated purchasing device 70 so that the device 90 is at thepoint of purchase. The automated purchasing device 70 may be aself-scanning checkout or a standard checkout as described above inconnection with FIG. 2. For the sake of illustration, only the consumercontrolled touch screen display 30 a is illustrated, however, the storeoperator controlled touch screen display 30 b may alternatively coupleto the controller via wires 22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 link. Thedisplay 30 a or 30 b alternatively communicates with the controller viaan RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitablecommunication link. Either of the displays 30 a or 30 b shows a runninglist of scanned or inputted items 42 and dispensed products 52.

[0145] The controller 12, having the processor 14, memory 16, powersupply 18 and I/O card or module 20, electrically, optically, viaRS-232, RS-485, RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or by anyother suitable communication link connects to a stand-alone or hand-heldscanner 28 and/or to a cash register 72. The stand-alone or hand-thescanner 28 includes the transparent cover 40 across which the either theconsumer or the store operator passes a purchasable item 42. A storeoperator preferably runs the cash register 72.

[0146] Referring now to FIG. 4, a further embodiment for a stand-alonepoint of purchase device 100 is illustrated. The point of purchasedevice 100 has full control capability. That is, the device 100 canperform electrical switching, has processing capability and the abilityto store a computer program. The device 100 includes the controller 12having the processor 14, the memory device 16, the power supply 18 andthe I/O card or module 20. The controller 12 enables the point ofpurchase device 100 to have a touch screen display 30, with simulatedbuttons 62 for the dispensable products A to D. Either the consumer orthe store operator presses a button 62 on the screen 30 so that an inputsignal is sent to the I/O card or module 20. Device software stored inthe memory device 16 acknowledges the input and commands the closure ofa designated output switch on the I/O unit, which allows the powersupply 18 to energize the appropriate solenoid 72. The selected product52 falls onto the ramp or slide 58 and dispenses through the opening 56.

[0147] The display 30 can display dynamic advertising for one or moredispensable products 52 and for one or more suppliers of the products52. The dynamic displays include still video, streaming video andanimations as well as any other type of audio, visual or audiovisualdisplay. The display 30 can advertise a plurality of products 52 at onceor run a single video that sequentially displays a plurality ofdifferent advertisements from one or more suppliers.

[0148] In a typical point of purchase environment, smaller suppliers maynot have the means to afford advertising for their point of purchaseproducts. For example, providing cardboard displays or physical mock-upsat multiple locations is typically expensive. The present inventionprovides a method by which any supplier, regardless of its size, canafford at least some advertising. Each of the suppliers can pay for aportion of the total advertising time provided by the display 30. If thedisplay 30 can advertise more than one product 52 at a time, thesuppliers can also pay for a percentage of the screen and run a“full-screen ad” or a “half-screen ad” or an ad in any suitableproportion. A supplier can, for example, run a half-screen ad forfifteen percent of the total advertising time and a full screen ad foranother fifteen percent of the time.

[0149] The controller 12 may be adapted to connect to one or more servercomputers maintained by one or more suppliers of the products 52 by alinked system commonly referred to as a wide area network or WAN. TheWAN links one or more product suppliers by phone line, T-1 or T-3connections, leased phone lines, RF signals, microwaves or the Internet.The WAN provides suppliers the ability to update or change theiradvertisements in real time. A supplier may wish to run a certainadvertisement in the morning and another in the afternoon. A suppliermay wish to change the advertisement based on inventory or to streamlineits advertisements with products for which the supermarket or groceryplaces on sale or discounts.

[0150] The suppliers can store a number of advertisements in the memory16 of the controller 12. The controller 12 includes suitable sound andgraphics cards to display the advertisements. The point of purchasedevices also include speakers that communicate with the processor 14 ofthe controller to play programmed sounds. The supplier at a remotelocation selects which advertisement to display and sends a signal overthe WAN, wherein the controller 12 recalls and displays the desiredadvertisement. Alternatively, as is known by those of skill in the art,the supplier can store the advertisements in files maintained at thesupplier's location or on the Internet. When the supplier desires to runa particular advertisement, the supplier downloads the file or filesfrom the remote server or the Internet to the controller 12, whichdisplays the desired advertisement.

[0151] The WAN linkage also enables the suppliers of the products 52 toperform inventory management. That is, the WAN provides the suppliersthe ability to monitor the movement of the products 52 in real time orover a period of time, e.g., hours, days or weeks. A supplier candetermine which products move at particular times of the day, days ofthe week or times of the year. This aids the suppliers in supplyingproducts 52 that will sell and also in providing targeted and focusedadvertising. The controller 12 can be configured to automatically send asignal to or place a call to the supplier or the supplier's distributorwhen a product supply at the point of purchase falls to a certain level.The supplier or distributor thereby automatically knows when to restockthe point of purchase device.

[0152] Using the real time inventory information provided by the WAN,the Internet, etc., and the ability to change advertisements on the flyor in real time, the supplier can tailor advertisements to pushparticular products. The supplier can advertise a product 52 at a timethat it sells particularly well to maximize throughput. The supplier canalternatively attempt to create a market by advertising a product 52 ata time that it has not sold particularly well. Similarly, if thesupplier determines that there is an abundance of stock for a particularproduct 52, the supplier can advertise that product and/or run a specialfor the product. If the point of purchase device enables the consumer toaccrue points for purchases, the software can be configured to dispenseone of the products 52 that is in ample supply when the consumer wins,e.g., a free pack of gum.

[0153] Obviously, the supplier is not expected to manually inputadvertisements at all times. Either the supplier's server computer orthe memory 16 of the controller 12 stores sequences that include one ormore advertisements that cycle continuously. The supplier updates itssequence periodically to add, subtract or re-proportion theadvertisement of one or more products 52. The supplier's sequenceintegrates with sequences provided by other suppliers. Either thesupplier's server or the memory 16 of the controller 12 can also storesoftware that automatically runs a particular advertisement or sequencebased on inventory level. For example, if the controller 12 senses thatproducts B, C and D have sold more than Product A, the software in anembodiment is programmed to advertise product A so as to even thedispensing levels.

[0154] The stand-alone point of purchase device 100 has the capabilityto communicate directly with a credit/debit card reader 24 and/or anautomated purchasing device 70 (not illustrated), such as aself-scanning checkout or a standard checkout. The touch screen display30 enables a product to be dispensed at any time before, during or afterthe scanning or cash registry sequence.

[0155] As used herein, the term “credit/debit card” obviously refers tocredit cards and debit cards. The term also refers to any type ofidentification that enables the consumer to pay for a product withoutusing hard currency, e.g., cash, coins or checks. The credit/debit cardtherefore also includes any type of card or smart card dedicated to aparticular institution, such as a school card, retail outlet card, etc.Credit/debit card also includes phone cards, hotel cards, casino cardsor other types of service cards that enable the consumer to purchaseservices and/or goods in a cashless transaction.

[0156] Alternatively, after the consumer or the operator has scanned allthe purchasable items or the store operator has entered each item intothe cash register, the credit/debit card reader 24 prompts the consumerto purchase a dispensable product 52 via the card reader display 34. Inan embodiment, the card reader display 34 is a vacuum florescent display(“VFD”). In a preferred embodiment, the consumer can select adispensable product 52 at any time before an electronic funds transfertakes place, i.e., before a bank or credit card company authorizes theamount. In this way, the consumer makes a single payment.

[0157] The credit/debit card reader 24 includes an insert slot 32 and aplurality of numerical input buttons 36. If, after inserting a card intothe slot 32, the reader 24 cannot read the card number, the consumer cankey in the card number using the numerical input buttons 36. Thenumerical input buttons 36 can also be used to specify which product(e.g., Product #1 to Product #9) to dispense or the quantity of products52 to dispense. The card reader 24 may also be adapted to includeseparate product buttons 102. The VFD 24 directs the consumer to enter aproduct using either numerical input buttons 36 or the dedicated productbuttons 102. The card reader 24 in an embodiment communicates with thecontroller 12 of the stand-alone device 100 via wires 22 and/or via anRS-232 or RS-485 cable 104. The card reader 24 alternativelycommunicates with the controller 12 via an RF signal, microwave signal,the Internet or via any other suitable communication link. In analternative embodiment, the VFD 24 directs the consumer to select one ormore products 52 using the touch screen display 30 at the stand-alonepoint of purchase device 100.

[0158] The stand-alone point of sale device 100 preferably mounts to ornear the automated purchasing device (scanner or cash register) so thatthe device 100 is at the point of purchase. The device 100 may also beadapted to enable the consumer to receive cash back from the transactionusing funds transferred from the consumer's credit/debit card account.

[0159] As stated above, in an embodiment the automated purchasing device70 is the self-scanning checkout 10 described in FIG. 1. Any of thepreviously disclosed embodiments for the point of purchase device 50, 90or 100 may be adapted to couple to the self-scanning checkout 10. Thepoint of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 may be mounted on any exposedsurface of the self-scanning checkout 10 including the top, front, rearor sides of the self-scanning checkout 10. The purchasing device may beadapted to dispense a product to a higher or lower elevation and/orhorizontally to a new location.

[0160] Supermarkets and grocery stores may install a bank ofself-scanning checkouts 10 that stand side by side. In such a case, itmay be desirable to install a single point of purchase device 50, 90 or100 between two self-scanning checkouts 10, to dispense products to thesame. Here, the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 may be mounted ona side of one of self-scanning checkouts 10, wherein the side opposesthe other checkout. Or, the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 maybe mounted separately from and between two adjacent self-scanningcheckouts 10.

[0161] Supermarkets and grocery stores may install parallel rows ofself-scanning checkouts 10 that face each other and are overseen by asingle retail operator. In such a case, it may be desirable to installone or more point of purchase devices 50, 90 or 100 between two rows ofself-scanning checkouts 10, to dispense products to one or morecheckouts of the two rows. In such a case, the point of purchase device50, 90 or 100 is mounted as a stand-alone unit, separate from any of theself-scanning checkouts 10. The device however, is at the point ofpurchase between a plurality of rows of self-scanning checkouts 10.

[0162] Referring now to FIG. 5, any of the previously disclosedembodiments for the point of purchase device (50, 90 or 100, only device50 shown for convenience) may further be adapted to couple directly to ascanner 28, a cash register 72 or simultaneously couple to the scanner28 and the cash register 72. Alternatively, any of the previouslydisclosed point of purchase devices 50, 90 or 100 may couple to or beintegrally formed within a dispensing device 110 that dispensesnon-consumable products 112.

[0163] The scanner 28, cash register 72 and dispensing device 110 eachinclude a controller 12 having a processor 14, a memory device 16, apower supply 18 and an I/O card or module 20. The controllers 12 of eachof these devices optically couple or electrically couple via wires 22 toa point of purchase device (50, 90 or 100), which dispenses consumableproducts 52.

[0164] The controller 12 integral to the scanner 28 may be adapted tocouple, via wires 22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 cable 104, to acredit/debit card reader 24 or to a bill acceptor (not illustrated). Asused herein, the term “scanner” refers to a conventional scanner thatreads bar coded information. “Scanner” also includes any device thatreads or accepts any type of identification information provided by aretail item 42. “Scanner,” as used herein, includes the speedpass orwand that accepts identifying information from fast food items or otherretail items. “Scanner” also includes a device that reads or accepts anytype of signal transmission emanating from the item.

[0165] The controller 12 integral to the scanner 28 may alternatively beadapted to communicate with the card reader 24 or the bill acceptor viaan RF signal, microwave signal, the Internet or via any other suitablecommunication link. When a consumer or store operator scans purchasableitems 42 past the transparent cover 40 of the scanner 28, the controller12 of the scanner 28 accumulates the cost of the items 42. When theconsumer selects a dispensable product 52 via the buttons 36 or 102 onthe credit/debit card reader 24, the controller 12 of the scanner 28recognizes the input, sends a signal to the point of purchase device 50,90 or 100 to dispense the product 52 and accumulates the additional costof the dispensed product 52. When the consumer or store operator selectsa dispensable product 52 via the input devices located on the point ofpurchase devices 90 and 100, the controller 12 of the scanner 28recognizes the input and accumulates the additional cost of thedispensed product 52.

[0166] When a store operator inputs purchasable items 42 into the cashregister 72, the controller 12 of the cash register 72 accumulates thecost of the items 42. The cash register may be adapted to have certainbuttons 106 dedicated to dispense the products 52. When the storeoperator selects a dispensable product 52 via the button 106 on the cashregister 72, the controller 12 of the cash register 72 recognizes theinput, sends a signal to the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 todispense the product 52 and accumulates the additional cost of thedispensed product 52. When the consumer or store operator selects adispensable product 52 via the input devices located on the point ofpurchase devices 90 and 100, the controller 12 of the cash register 72recognizes the input and accumulates the additional cost of thedispensed product 52.

[0167] Dispensing devices 110 that dispense non-consumable items 112 areknown to those of skill in the art. Generally, the controller 12integral to the dispensing device 110 controls a dispenser (notillustrated), which dispenses non-consumable items 112, such as movietickets or airline tickets. Non-consumable items include any non-edibleitems such as tickets, toiletries and periodicals including magazines,newspapers and books. The controller 12 of the dispensing device 110 maybe adapted to couple, via wires 22 and/or an RS-232 or RS-485 cable 104,to a credit/debit card reader 24 or to a bill acceptor (notillustrated). A touch screen display 30 electrically communicates withthe controller 12 via wires 22 and/or cable 104. Alternatively, an RFsignal, microwave signal, the Internet or any other suitablecommunication link may be used. The display 30 has simulated buttons 62adapted to enable the consumer to select one or more non-consumableitems 112 and one or more consumable products 52 from the point ofpurchase device 50, 90 or 100.

[0168] When the consumer selects a non-consumable item 112 via thebuttons 62 on the touch screen display 30, the controller 12 of thedispensing device 110 recognizes the input, sends a signal to thenon-consumable item dispenser to dispense the non-consumable item 112and accumulates the cost of the dispensed item 112. When the consumerselects a consumable product 52 via the buttons 62 on the touch screendisplay 30, the controller 12 of the dispensing device 110 recognizesthe input, sends a signal to the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100via wires 22 and/or cable 104 to dispense the consumable product 52 andaccumulates the additional cost of the dispensed product 52. Theconsumer may therefore purchase, for example, a movie ticket and aconfectionery item and make one payment via cash or credit.

[0169] Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, any of the previously disclosedembodiments for the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100 may furtherbe adapted for a quick service restaurant (“QSR”). QSR's arecontinuously looking for technologies that alleviate their limited spaceand labor issues, increase operational efficiencies and mitigate productshrinkage. QSR's typically require floor space in front of the cashiersto be open, wherein customers form lines, peruse overhead menus andorder food upon approaching a cashier. Thus while QSR's provide acaptive market for point of purchase products, they do not provide aconvenient place for a typical grocery store rack.

[0170] Drive through stands also provide a captive front-endmarketplace. Outdoor drive through stands, however, do not provide asuitable location for a product rack. Shrinkage, both inside and at thedrive through stand, poses a serious barrier to the introduction offront-end products. Cashiers at QSR's, who must deliver prepared fooditems as well as receive and exchange money, do not have enough extratime to ensure that off-the-rack items are accounted for. It should beappreciated, however, that any of the point of purchase devices 50, 90or 100 are operable in a QSR environment.

[0171]FIG. 6 illustrates the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100implemented inside the QSR at the cashier station. The cashier 114stands behind the QSR counter 116. The customer 118 observes an overheaddisplay 122 that sets forth a number of fast food items 42 that the QSRprepares and brings to the point of purchase. The display 122 alsopresents a number of products 52 that the customer 118 can purchase andthat will immediately be dispensed at the point of purchase.

[0172] The point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100, including thedispenser 54 (not illustrated), flush mounts to the backside of the cashregister and includes a touch screen display 30. The cash register/pointof purchase device 50, 90 or 100 includes a controller having aprocessor and a memory that stores a program. In an embodiment, as soonas the cashier 114 begins to enter the order of the customer 118, theprogram and the processor cooperate to display the message 124 andactivate the simulated input buttons 62. When the cashier 114 enters apayment from the customer 118, the program and the processor cooperateto discontinue the message 124 and deactivate the simulated inputbuttons 62. At any time in between, the customer 118 can select one ofthe input buttons 62, wherein a product 52 dispenses through an opening56 into a tray 142 (which can also be the coin change tray, see FIG. 9below) and the cost of the product 52 automatically accumulates with thecost of the fast food items 42.

[0173] The procedure above is virtually invisible to the cashier 114.The QSR employees or the product suppliers can restock the products 52during non-business hours. In an alternative embodiment, the point ofpurchase device 50, 90 or 100 prompts the cashier 114 to ask thecustomer 118 to purchase one or more products 52. A second dispenser 126mounts inside the counter 116 and dispenses periodicals or otherconsumable or non-consumable products 52. The second dispenser 126 canoperate according to the computer program discussed above, wherein thecustomer 118 purchases a magazine or newspaper by pressing a button 62while ordering the items 42. Alternatively, the customer 118 requests aperiodical from the cashier 114, wherein the cashier 114 presses abutton on the cash register, a door on the dispenser 126 opens, thecustomer 118 removes the selected product 52 and the cost of the productautomatically adds to the cost of the fast food items 42. Each of theseembodiments consumes no floor space and requires little effort by thecashier 114.

[0174]FIG. 7 illustrates the point of purchase device 50, 90 or 100implemented outside the QSR at the drive-up window. QSR's typicallyemploy a display, such as the overhead display 122 of FIG. 6, at adrive-through ordering station (not illustrated). This display canpresent the point of purchase products 52, as does the display 122 ofFIG. 6. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive-up customer 118encounters a touch screen display 30 having simulated input buttons 62when the customer 118 pulls up to the exchange window. As the customer118 waits for the fast food, the message 128 prompts the customer 118 topurchase, e.g., a pack of gum. Additionally or alternatively, thecashier (not illustrated) can prompt the customer 118 to purchase aproduct 52. If the customer selects a button 62, a product 52 dispensesthrough the opening 56 into the tray 142 (in an embodiment with coinchange as discussed with FIG. 9) and the cost of the product 52automatically accumulates with the cost of the fast food items 42.Suitable precautions may be employed to counteract product shrinkage,such as automatically deactivating the buttons 52 before accepting moneyfrom the customer. Alternatively, the dispensing buttons 62 can belocated inside at the cashier station, wherein the customer 118 requeststhat the cashier dispense a product 52 for the customer.

[0175] Referring now to FIG. 8, yet another embodiment for a stand-alonepoint of purchase device 120, which has an integrated method of payment,is illustrated. The device 120 mounts to or near the automatedpurchasing device 70 (scanner or cash register) so that the device 120is at the point of purchase. The device 120 may include one or moremounting brackets or members that allow the device 120 to readily mountto the device 70.

[0176] The point of purchase device 120 includes a controller 12 havinga processor 14, memory device 16, power supply 18 and I/O card or module20. The consumer selects one or more of the products A to D by pressingthe simulated input buttons 62 on a touch screen display 30, wherein theinputs 62 couple to the I/O card or module 20. The device 120 dispensesthe product 52 onto the ramp or slide 58 and through the opening 56. Thecontroller 12 communicates with the touch screen display 30 and either acredit/debit card insert slot 32 a cash/coin acceptor (not shown).Before, during or after the other purchasable items are scanned orentered into a cash register, the consumer may select one or more of thebuttons and purchase one or more of the products 52. The player pays forthe one or more dispensed products 52 using a credit card, debit card orcash. The purchase is made at the point of purchase for the otherpurchasable items.

[0177] Referring now to FIG. 9, still another embodiment of astand-alone point of purchase device 130 is illustrated, wherein device130 dispenses the product 52 and also dispenses change in the form ofcoins. The device 130 electrically couples to any of the automatedpurchasing devices disclosed above. The device 130 includes a pluralityof slot openings 132 for holding the dispensable products 52. Acontroller 12 having a processor, memory, power supply and I/Ocapability controls one or more solenoids, such as a push-type solenoid72. When a solenoid 72 energizes, a product 52 dispenses through a slot134. The illustrated embodiment includes a plurality of slots 134, here,a separate slot 134 for each for each different product 52.

[0178] The device 130 includes a conveyor belt 136 tensioned between adrive roller 138 and a follower roller 140. The memory stores a programthat operates with the processor so that upon an input to dispense oneof the products 52 by a consumer or a store operator, the program andprocessor cause a product 52 to dispense through its associated slot134. At the same time, the program and processor of the controller 12cause a drive motor (not illustrated) to rotate and the belt 136 tomove. The product 52 drops onto the conveying belt 136, which conveysthe product to a tray 142.

[0179] The belt and rollers are just one way known by those of skill inthe art to convey the dispensed product 52. For instance, the motor cancouple to a lead screw, wherein a product-carrying slide translates whenthe motor rotates. For quicker movements, a pneumatic system can beemployed. Further alternatively, a ramp or slide can be disposed at avertical angle, wherein gravity pulls the product 52 into the tray 142.In any embodiment, the tray 142 is located at the point of purchase forone or more other purchasable items.

[0180] The point of purchase device 130 also includes a plurality ofcoin holders 144 for dispensing change. The program and the processorcontrol a plurality of solenoids 72 to allow a proper amount of pennies,nickels, dimes and quarters to dispense from one or more of the coinholders. The device 130 is therefore adapted to dispense one or moreproducts 52 and coin change to the consumer for a transaction includinga transaction having scanned items or items inputted into a cashregister. As such, the device may be adapted to include an agitator (notillustrated) in communication with the controller 12 that vibrates thedevice 130 to aid in properly dispensing the coins and the products 52.

[0181] In any of the embodiments provided herein, one or more point ofpurchase product sellers is able to distribute their point of purchaseproducts 52. That is, the sellers stock, display and sell the point ofpurchase products through the self-scanning checkout, through one of thestand-alone point of purchase devices or through a combinationconsumable product and non-consumable product dispensing device.

[0182] The manufacturers of these devices benefit when a retail outletpurchases one or more of the devices. The point of purchase productsellers (manufacturer and/or distributor) benefit from the sale of thesedevices because they can display and distribute their products throughthese devices and increase brand recognition. The retail outlets benefitfrom the sale of these devices through increased throughput, byproviding convenience and speed, by reducing labor costs and by makingpoint of purchase sales. The devices, however, cost money.

[0183] The present invention includes a method of making these devicesmore economical for the retail outlets, i.e., funding the devices. Inone embodiment, the point of purchase product seller pays a lump-sum oralternatively a plurality of continuous royalty payments to the retailoutlets in exchange for the right to stock the seller's product. In thismanner, the retail outlet recoups some of its out-of-pocket cost for thedevices. In another embodiment, the point of purchase product sellerpays continuous royalty payments or more likely a lump-sum payment tothe device manufacturer. In this manner, the manufacturer can sell thedevice at a lower price (or the product seller pays part of the normalprice) so that the retail outlet pays less up front. Here, the retailoutlet makes a lower up-front payment, but the product seller likelyowns rather than leases at least part of the stocking space.

[0184] It should be understood that various changes and modifications tothe presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention andwithout diminishing its intended advantages. It is therefore intendedthat such changes and modifications be covered by the appended claims.

The invention is claimed as follows:
 1. A self-scanning checkoutproviding point of purchase products comprising: a scanner to scan itemsselected by a consumer; a video monitor to display the cost of itemsscanned by the consumer; a packaging area for placing items scanned bythe consumer into a container; and a dispenser for dispensing a point ofpurchase product, wherein the video monitor displays the cost of theproduct dispensed by the dispenser.
 2. The self-scanning checkout ofclaim 1, wherein the dispenser dispenses the product into the container.3. The self-scanning checkout of claim 1, wherein the dispenserdispenses the product adjacent to the scanner.
 4. The self-scanningcheckout of claim 1, wherein the dispenser dispenses the productadjacent to a device selected from the group consisting of: the videomonitor, a change maker that makes change from payments for items andproducts purchased and a receipt printer that provides a receipt foritems and products purchased.
 5. An automated checkout devicecomprising: a surface for allowing a customer to place a plurality ofitems to be purchased; a scanner for allowing the customer to accumulatea cost for the items; a second surface to support the items after theyare scanned; a point of purchase device that dispenses a point ofpurchase product onto the second surface upon request of the consumer;and the cost of the point of purchase product is added to the cost ofthe plurality of items automatically.
 6. The automated checkout deviceof claim 5, wherein the second surface supports a container forreceiving the items.
 7. The automated checkout device of claim 6,wherein the container is a bag.
 8. The automated checkout device ofclaim 7, wherein the point of purchase product is dispensed into thebag.
 9. A device allowing a consumer to purchase product without theneed for a cashier comprising: a body having an interior; a controllercoupled to the body; a scanning device that communicates with and iscoupled to the controller, the scanning device allowing a consumer toscan purchasable items that the consumer brings to the device andaccumulate a cost for the items; a product maintained within theinterior of the body; and the body including a dispenser that dispensesthe product from the body upon a request for product by the consumer,wherein a cost for the product is added to the cost for the items. 10.The device of claim 9, wherein the controller is integral with the body.11. The device of claim 9, wherein the controller is coupled to the bodyby a mode selected from the group consisting of: electrical coupling,optical coupling and coupling via a radio frequency signal.
 12. Thedevice of claim 9, wherein the scanning device is coupled to thecontroller by a mode selected from the group consisting of: electricalcoupling, optical coupling and coupling via a radio frequency signal.13. The device of claim 9, wherein the dispenser dispenses the productin a direction selected from the group consisting of: vertically upward,vertically downward and laterally.
 14. The device of claim 9, whereinthe scanning device is integral with the controller.
 15. The purchasingdevice of claim 9, which includes a display that prompts the consumer topurchase the product.
 16. The purchasing device of claim 9, wherein thebody includes a plurality of different products.
 17. The purchasingdevice of claim 16, wherein the plurality of different products areselected from the group consisting of: confectionery products,periodicals, cigarette lighters, batteries, key chains, film, writinginstruments, toiletries and toys.
 18. A point of purchase device thatoperates with an automated purchasing device having a controller thatallows a consumer to input purchasable items and accumulate a cost forthe items, the point of purchase device comprising: a body housing aproduct and including a member for coupling the point of purchase deviceto the automated purchasing device; and a dispenser that dispenses theproduct from the body upon request by the consumer, wherein a cost forthe product is added to the cost for the items.
 19. The point ofpurchase device of claim 18, wherein the body houses a plurality ofdifferent products.
 20. The point of purchase device of claim 19,wherein the plurality of different products are selected from the groupconsisting of: confectionery products, periodicals, cigarette lighters,batteries, key chains, writing instruments, film, toiletries and toys.21. The point of purchase device of claim 18, wherein the body ismodular and physically independent from the automated purchasing device.22. The point of purchase device of claim 18, wherein the member couplesthe body to the automated purchasing device by a mode selected from thegroup consisting of: electrical coupling, optical coupling and couplingvia a radio frequency signal.
 23. A point of purchase device thatoperates with an automated purchasing device that allows a consumer topurchase items without the need for a cashier, accumulating a cost forthe items and allowing the consumer to pay for a product, the point ofpurchase device comprising: a body housing the product; a controllercoupled to the body; and a dispenser that dispenses the product from thebody upon a signal from the controller, the signal initiated by theconsumer, wherein a cost for the product is added to the cost for theitems.
 24. The point of purchase device of claim 23, wherein the body ismodular and physically independent from the automated purchasing device.25. The point of purchase device of claim 23, which includes a displaythat communicates with the controller and prompts the consumer topurchase the product.
 26. A point of purchase device that is coupled toa device that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items andaccumulate a cost for the purchasable items comprising: a dispenser thatdispenses a product from a stock upon a signal from a controller that iscoupled to the retail operator controlled device, the signal initiatedby the retail operator, wherein a cost for the product is automaticallyadded to the cost of the purchasable items by the controller.
 27. Thepoint of purchase device of claim 26, wherein the device is chosen fromthe group consisting of: a scanner, a cash register, a point of purchasekiosk and a touch screen.
 28. The point of purchase device of claim 26,wherein the controller is coupled to the device by a mode selected fromthe group consisting of: electrical coupling, optical coupling andcoupling via a radio frequency signal.
 29. The point of purchase deviceof claim 26, wherein the controller is integral with the device.
 30. Apoint of purchase device that operates with an automated purchasingdevice that allows a retail operator to input purchasable items andaccumulate a cost for the purchasable items, the point of purchasedevice comprising: a body housing a stock of product; a controllermaintained within the body; and a dispenser within the body thatdispenses a product from the stock upon a signal from the controller,the signal initiated by the retail operator, wherein a cost for theproduct is automatically added to the cost for the purchasable items bythe controller.
 31. The point of purchase device of claim 30, whereinthe automated purchasing device is selected from the group consistingof: a scanner and a cash register.
 32. The point of purchase device ofclaim 30, including a display that communicates with the controller andprompts the consumer to purchase the product.
 33. The point of purchasedevice of claim 30, wherein the body is modular and physicallyindependent from the automated purchasing device.
 34. A point ofpurchase device that operates with a credit/debit card verificationdevice that authorizes a cost for items purchased by a consumer, thepoint of purchase device comprising: a controller that communicates withthe credit/debit card verification device; and the controller is coupledto a dispenser that dispenses a product upon a signal to the controller,the signal initiated by the consumer through the credit/debit cardverification device, wherein a cost for the consumable product is addedto the cost for the items purchased by the consumer.
 35. The point ofpurchase device of claim 34, wherein the credit/debit card verificationdevice is located at a retail checkout line.
 36. The point of purchasedevice of claim 34, wherein the stock includes a plurality of differentproducts and the controller communicates a selected product to thedispenser.
 37. The point of purchase device of claim 34, wherein thecontroller is electrically coupled to the dispenser.
 38. A point ofpurchase device comprising: a body housing a stock of product that isphysically coupled to a discrete automated purchasing device that allowsconsumers to automatically purchase items that are physically brought tothe automated purchasing device; a money acceptor coupled to the body;and a dispenser within the body that dispenses a product from the stockupon a consumer's input of a predefined amount of money into the moneyacceptor.
 39. The point of purchase device of claim 38, wherein theautomated purchasing device is selected from the group consisting of: ascanner, a cash register and a self-scanning checkout.
 40. The point ofpurchase device of claim 38, wherein the automated purchasing device islocated at a retail outlet selected from the group consisting of: aretail checkout, a restaurant cash register and an electronic ticketingstation.
 41. The point of purchase device of claim 38, wherein the moneyacceptor is selected from the group consisting of: a cash acceptor, acoin acceptor and a credit/debit card acceptor.
 42. A device fordispensing consumable and non-consumable products at the same locationcomprising: a body; a stock of a consumable product housed within thebody; a stock of a non-consumable products housed within the body; adispenser that dispenses the consumable product; a device that totalspurchase prices for consumable and non-consumable products; and apayment acceptor that allows the consumer to make a single payment forthe consumable and non-consumable products.
 43. The device of claim 42,wherein the non-consumable product is selected from the group consistingof: movie tickets, plane tickets, periodicals, video tapes, compactdisks, digital video disks and newspapers.
 44. A method of operating anautomated checkout comprising: allowing a consumer to bring purchasableitems to an automated checkout device; allowing the consumer to scan thepurchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items on adisplay; allowing the consumer to select a product from a dispensingdevice located in juxtaposition to the automated checkout; automaticallydispensing the product from the dispensing device in response to theconsumer's selection; and automatically adding a cost of the product tothe cost for the scanned items on the display.
 45. The method of claim44, wherein the consumer selects the product by using a touch screen.46. The method of claim 44, including the step of allowing the consumerto pay for the product by credit/debit card.
 47. The method of claim 44,wherein adding the cost of the product includes automatically increasinga balance due on a credit/debit card transaction.
 48. A method ofoperating a checkout station comprising: allowing a consumer to bringpurchasable items to a store operator; allowing the operator to scan thepurchasable items and accumulate a cost for the scanned items; allowingthe consumer to independently purchase a product by touching a screencoupled to a dispensing device; dispensing the product from thedispensing device in response to the consumer touching the screen; andautomatically adding a cost of the dispensed product to the cost for thescanned items.
 49. A method of operating a checkout station comprising:employing an operator to input purchasable items into a device andaccumulate a cost for the purchasable items; prompting a consumer topurchase a product from a dispensing device; automatically dispensingthe product from the dispensing device upon the consumer's request; andautomatically adding a cost of the product to the cost for thepurchasable items.
 50. A method for providing a point of purchaseproduct without the need for a cashier comprising: providing a checkoutarea for the consumer to bring items for purchase; accumulating a costassociated with the items the consumer wants; providing a product at thepoint of purchase; prompting the consumer that other product isavailable at the point of purchase; dispensing the product to theconsumer at the point of purchase upon a request by the consumer topurchase the product; and automatically, without need for a cashier,adding to the cost associated with other items purchased any additionalcost for the product.
 51. The method of claim 50, which includesaccepting a single payment in exchange for the product and otherpurchased items.
 52. The method of claim 50, wherein the consumer isprompted that the product is available by an advertisement for theproduct.
 53. The method of claim 50, wherein prompting the consumerincludes prompting the consumer at a time selected from the groupconsisting of: before the consumer purchases the other consumable items,while the consumer is purchasing the other items and after the consumerpurchases the other items.
 54. The method of claim 50, which includesallowing a retail operator to enter the consumer's approval to purchasethe product.
 55. The method of claim 50, which includes allowing theconsumer to enter the approval to purchase the product.
 56. A method forproviding different products at a point-of purchase comprising: stockinga plurality of different products at the point of purchase;automatically prompting the consumer that the products are available atthe point of purchase; automatically accepting an approval by theconsumer to purchase at least one of the products; automaticallydispensing the at least one the product to the consumer at the point ofpurchase; and automatically adding to the cost of the product to thecost of any other items that are being purchased.
 57. The method ofclaim 56, wherein prompting the consumer that the products are availableincludes displaying a dynamic display selected from the group consistingof: a display of the products, a message concerning the products, anadvertisement concerning the products and a price reduction concerningthe products.
 58. The method of claim 56, which includes allowing aretail operator to enter the consumer's approval to purchase the atleast one product.
 59. The method of claim 56, which includes allowingthe consumer to enter the approval to purchase the at least one product.60. A method for providing consumable and non-consumable products at thesame location comprising: stocking consumable and non-consumableproducts in a single device; allowing a consumer to purchase aconsumable product from the single device without the need for acashier; allowing the consumer to purchase a non-consumable product fromthe single device without the need for a cashier; dispensing theconsumable and non-consumable product to the consumer at the samelocation in the device; and allowing the consumer to pay for theconsumable and non-consumable product without the need for money. 61.The method of claim 60, which includes allowing the consumer to pay forthe consumable and non-consumable product at one time.
 62. A method ofgenerating revenue comprising: providing a point of purchase device thatis coupled to the retail purchasing device, the point of purchase devicedesigned to dispense a product at the point of purchase; and obtaining afee paid from a supplier of the product in exchange for allowing theproduct to be dispensed from the point of purchase device.
 63. Themethod of claim 62, wherein the point of purchase device is integralwith the retail purchasing device.
 64. The method of claim 62, whereinthe retail purchasing device is selected from the group consisting of: aself-scanning purchasing device, a fuel dispensing gasoline pump, adebit/credit card reader and a cash register.
 65. A method forpurchasing items comprising the steps of: transporting a plurality ofitems to a checkout station; using a device that identifies costs forthe items to create a purchase price for the plurality of items;prompting a consumer to purchase a point of purchase product; dispensingfrom a dispenser the point of purchase product; and automatically,without the need for a human operator, adding the cost of the point ofpurchase product to the purchase price.
 66. The method of claim 65,wherein the cost of the point of purchase product is added to thepurchase price before the cost of all of the plurality of items istotaled.
 67. The method of claim 65, wherein the device that identifiescosts is an optical scanner.
 68. The method of claim 65, wherein thepoint of purchase product is dispensed from a device that is integralwith the device that identifies costs.
 69. A system for providing pointof purchase products comprising: a device for identifying costs of itemsand creating a purchase price for the items; means for prompting aconsumer to purchase a point of purchase product; and a device fordispensing the point of purchase product upon request from the consumerand for adding a cost of the point of purchase product to the purchaseprice.
 70. The system of claim 69, wherein the means for prompting isselected from the group consisting of: an advertisement, an audioprompt, a visual prompt and a tactile prompt.
 71. The system of claim69, wherein the device for identifying is a scanner.
 72. The system ofclaim 69, wherein the means for prompting is selected from the groupconsisting of: a credit/debit card device; a display device separatefrom the device for identifying costs and the dispensing device; and aspeedpass.
 73. The system of claim 69, including a device for acceptingpayment for a total purchase price including the cost of the point ofpurchase product and the purchase price for the items.
 74. The system ofclaim 69, wherein the means for prompting is part of the device anddispenser.
 75. The system of claim 69, wherein the purchase price forthe items is a total purchase price which occurs when the device foridentifying has identified all of the items.
 76. A method for dispensinga point of purchase product comprising the steps of: providing apurchasable item and a point of purchase product for sale to a retailcustomer; inputting a customer selection for the point of purchaseproduct to a retail customer terminal proximate a point of purchaselocation for the purchasable item, the retail customer terminal adaptedto process the customer selection for the point of purchase product anda customer selection for the purchasable item; processing the customerselection for the point of purchase product for electrical communicationwith a point of purchase dispenser proximate the point of purchaselocation for the purchasable item; and dispensing the point of purchaseproduct to the customer from the point of purchase dispenser responsiveto the electrical communication.
 77. A device for dispensing a retailitem comprising: a retail customer terminal sited proximate a point ofpurchase location, the retail customer terminal having an input deviceadapted to permit selection of a purchasable item and a point ofpurchase product; a retail item processor in electrical communicationwith the retail customer terminal and adapted to process a selection ofthe purchasable item and the point of purchase product; and a dispensingterminal sited proximate the point of purchase location and inelectrical communication with the retail customer terminal and retailitem processor, the dispensing terminal adapted to handle and dispensethe point of purchase product from a storage location to a dispensinglocation in response to the selection of the point of purchase product.78. The device of claim 77, wherein the dispensing terminal is furtheradapted to handle and dispense at least one coin as change for theretail consumer.
 79. A retail item dispensing device comprising: areceptacle that houses and ejects a point of purchase product storedtherein; a dispensing location located proximate a point of purchaselocation for a purchasable item, said dispensing location comprising asurface configured for carrying the point of purchase product; acustomer selection input device adapted to input a customer selection ofa purchasable item and point of purchase product and located proximatethe point of purchase location for the purchasable item; a retail itemprocessor in electrical communication with the input device and thereceptacle that ejects the point of purchase product upon the customerselection; and a dispensing device configured to deliver the point ofpurchase product ejected from the receptacle to the dispensing locationproximate the point of purchase location for the purchasable item.
 80. Apoint of purchase device that is coupled to a device that inputspurchasable items and accumulates a cost for the purchasable itemscomprising: a dispenser that dispenses a product, wherein a cost for theproduct is automatically added to the cost of the purchasable items; anda communication device that allows information relating to the productto be communicated to a remote location.
 81. The point of purchasedevice of claim 80, wherein the dispenser dispenses products produced bya plurality of product suppliers and the communication device allows forcommunication with the suppliers at a plurality of remote locations. 82.The point of purchase device of claim 80, wherein the communicationdevice communicates over a wide area network with the remote location.83. The point of purchase device of claim 80, wherein the communicationdevice communicates with the remote location by a mode selected from thegroup consisting of: the Internet, a phone line, a satellite, microwavesand radio frequency.
 84. The point of purchase device of claim 80,wherein a party receives inventory information from the communicationdevice.
 85. The point of purchase device of claim 80, including acontroller for allowing the point of purchase device to receiveadvertisement information from a remote location.
 86. A point ofpurchase device that is coupled to a device that inputs purchasableitems and accumulates a cost for the purchasable items comprising: adispenser that dispenses a product, wherein a cost for the product isautomatically added to the cost of the purchasable items; and a displaythat shows an advertisement for the product, the advertisement beingselected at a remote location and communicated to the point of purchasedevice.
 87. The point of purchase device of claim 86, including aplurality of advertisements that are stored and adapted to be shown onthe display.
 88. The point of purchase device of claim 86, wherein theplurality of advertisements have varying costs.
 89. The point ofpurchase device of claim 86, wherein the advertisement is downloadedfrom a remote location by a mode selected from the group consisting of:the Internet, a phone line, a satellite, microwaves and radio frequency.90. A point of purchase device that is coupled to a device that inputspurchasable items and accumulates a cost for the purchasable itemscomprising: a dispenser that dispenses a product, wherein a cost for theproduct is automatically added to the cost of the purchasable items; anda communication device that communicates accumulated inventoryinformation relating to the product to a remote location.
 91. The pointof purchase device of claim 90, wherein the communication deviceautomatically communicates with a party selected from the groupconsisting of: a supplier of the product and a distributor of theproduct.
 92. The point of purchase device of claim 90, wherein thecommunication device automatically communicates inventory informationselected from the group consisting of: inventory for the productreaching a predefined level, flow rates of the product and optimizationdata for the product.
 93. The point of purchase device of claim 90,which includes an advertisement for the product which is automaticallydisplayed based on an inventory level of the product.
 94. A point ofpurchase device that is coupled to a device that inputs purchasableitems and accumulates a cost for the purchasable items comprising: adispenser that dispenses a product, wherein a cost for the product isautomatically added to the cost of the purchasable items; and a smartprompt provided to a consumer based on at least one purchasable itemthat the consumer has selected to purchase.
 95. A point of purchasedevice that is coupled to a device that inputs purchasable items andaccumulates a cost for the purchasable items comprising: a dispenserthat dispenses a product, wherein a cost for the product isautomatically added to the cost of the purchasable items; and a smartprompt provided to a consumer based on a profile of the consumer. 96.The point of purchase device of claim 95, wherein the profile isestablished via a customer card.
 97. The point of purchase device ofclaim 95, wherein the profile is established via data collected by acontroller of the point of purchase device.
 98. A method for operating apoint of purchase device that is coupled to a device that inputspurchasable items and accumulates a cost for the items comprising: usingthe point of purchase device to independently track inventory data for aproduct dispensed by the point of purchase device; and communicating thelevel to a supplier of the product at a location remote from thepurchasable item input device.
 99. The method of claim 98, whereininventory data includes data selected from the group consisting of:product flow rate data, inventory level data, flow rate data at aparticular time of day, flow rate data at a particular time of year anddata concerning a type of customer who purchases the product.
 100. Themethod of claim 98, which includes selecting an advertisement for theproduct based on the inventory level.
 101. A method for operating apoint of purchase device that is coupled to a device that inputspurchasable items and accumulates a cost for the items comprising:obtaining a profile for a consumer who has selected an item forpurchase; and providing a prompt to the consumer to purchase a productcontained in the point of purchase device, wherein the prompt is basedon the user profile.